The original CPO Club was constructed in 1942.   It was a 31′ x 21′ log style building providing approximately 651 square feet of space for the WWII era CPOs to gather.

Today with all of the renovations, nothing of the original 1942 structure remains except some of the roof that was retained during the 1949 additions.

In 1943, a 1400 square foot addition was added on to the West end of the original structure to provide a bar and lounge area for Chief Petty Officers.

You can still enjoy this part of the structure.  As you walk into the Members Only Area, you are entering the remaining part of the original lounge, including a fireplace, log walls, and strip board ceilings.

In later renovations, the bar was replaced by a newer version.  However, you can still sit at the original bar, and enjoy a “round of cheer” when you visit the Fleet Reserve Club.

In 1948,  an office space and restroom was added to the West end of the 1943 structure,  adding an additional 600 square feet.   Today this area is used as our Game Room.

In 1949,  approximately 1800 square feet was added to the east end of the CPO Club that was built around the original structure.   It is believed that at this time,  the walls from the original club were removed, while the roof was built into the new additions. This new addition added the dinning hall and galley providing food service to its members.

Sometime between late 1949 and 1955 approximately 1200 square feet was added to the front of the building to provide additional office space and upgraded restroom facilities.

In 1956,  approximately 1700 square feet was added to the North end of the building built in 1943.   During this time the North wall of the structure was removed and a Cocktail Lounge, which is still in operation today was added.

In 1964,  four smaller spaces were added to the Club providing and additional 1200 square feet.  First was the addition to the front of the building to provide an Entrance into the Club. On the East end of the building more space was added to expand the galley to provide food services to the increasing number of Club Members. Another small addition was added to the North end of the building to provide more office space and finally a storage area was added to the West end of the building.

In 1968,  the largest expansion to the Club was completed adding approximately 3900 square feet to the existing structure.  This addition added a ballroom, additional office spaces, and new restrooms to the West end of the building.

 In 1970.  with the continued increase of the CPO Club restaurant usage an approximate 800 square foot addition was completed.   Later, in 1975,  a 400 square foot scullery was added. 

From 1975 until 1991 no further additions were added to the structure of the CPO Club.  In 1991, the dining hall was expanded by 1600 square feet.  Since then, the restaurant has been open to the public for lunch and dinner.  The  lounge remains a dues-paying membership area.

Since 1991 there was a major renovation to fix the problems with the roof caused by years of upgrades. Additionally the heating system was upgraded and sprinkler systems were added throughout the building to bring the building into current Life Safety Codes.

In 2003, the Chief Petty Officers’ Association donated material and built a deck to the North end of the building behind the Cocktail Lounge, and later installed flag poles behind the building overlooking NAS Whidbey Island.

Today the Whidbey Island CPO Club is one of the few left in existence. With the assistance of over 900 Active Duty and Retired Club Members, many upgrades and improvements are being made to the Club to keep it open and thriving.

The CPO Restaurant is open to the public, and offers a beautiful view of the Cascade Mountain Range for an enhanced dinning experience.   

The information is provided by the Public Works Department, Public Affairs Office and the many Chiefs who have served at NAS Whidbey Island.